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Panasonic finally gets around to enabling Amazon VOD on 2009 Blu-ray players

by Richard Lawler posted Aug 4th 2009 at 3:33PM


Don't let us rush you Panasonic. But we were expecting Amazon VOD streaming capability when the DMP-BD60, BD70V, BD80 and the B15 Blu-ray players launched, then later were told it would be available by May. Now, in early August, comes word that a new firmware update has enabled access on all players (including the over 1000 HD selections on the service.) We know a few of you probably couldn't live without the DMP-BD70V and its Blu-ray / VHS combo, are you finding the new Amazon access included in the VIERA Cast streaming satisfactory for your needs?

CNET: TC-P50V10 is "Panasonic's best plasma yet"

by Richard Lawler posted Jun 9th 2009 at 12:56PM


As Pansonic's latest plasma HDTVs proceed down the review gauntlet, it appears CNET is the latest to be impressed by the TC-P50V10, between its slick design, smooth handling of 1080p/24 by way of its 96Hz image processing, deep black levels and good color reproduction. The 96Hz features plus more adjustable picture settings are some of the improvements the V10 offers over the G10, but is it enough to satisfy the Kuro faithful, or attract buyers away from LCD? It appears the reviewer was convinced, give it a read and see if you are.

Panasonic's DMP-B15 portable Blu-ray player: $800, ships this month

by Darren Murph posted Jun 1st 2009 at 10:01AM


It'll definitely run you less here in America than it would if you chose to import straight from Japan, but the planet's first BD-Live-capable portable Blu-ray player still ain't cheap. Today, Panny announced that its DMP-B15 -- which originally broke cover at CES -- will be shipping later this month in the US for $799.95. That nets you an 8.9-inch WSVGA display, VIERA CAST internet accessibility, an SD card slot, 2.5 hour rechargeable battery, HDMI output and BD-Live (Profile 2.0) functionality. Oh, and quiet kids on the next road trip to Gramps' pad, which is totally priceless.

Panasonic's Blu-ray burning FreeSat+ DVRs due in June

by Richard Lawler posted Apr 16th 2009 at 8:11AM


Blu-ray archiving DVRs have been a staple in Japan since the format was still in protective cartridges, and now we have more details on the new Panasonic HD Everything lineup launching in the UK. All three boxes can convert recorded programs into h.264 to save disc space, and beyond their FreeSat+ twin tuner DVR capability, support Panasonic's VIERA Cast internet hookups to pull in video and pictures from YouTube and Picasa. The DMR-BS850 and DMR-BS750 support BD-Live enabled Blu-ray playback and recording in HD, while the DMR-XS350 serves as an HD DVR on its hard drive, but falls back to SD for disc archiving on old school DVDs. No word on a price, but while the British ponder Panasonic vs. Humax we're already willing to trade in proposed tru2way boxes to have a shot at these.

[Via TechDigest.tv]

Update: TrustedReviews came through with some better pics, specs, and most importantly, prices for these joints - The DMR-BS850 has a 500GB HDD for £999, the DMR-BS750 has a 250GB HDD for £899 and the DMR-XS350 clocks in with a 200GB HDD for £699.

Panasonic DMP-BD60 Blu-ray player reviewed, are the new features worth it?

by Richard Lawler posted Mar 31st 2009 at 12:19PM


Panasonic's DMP-BD60 hits the scene as the successor to the well-received DMP-BD35, packing Viera Cast features on top of BD-Live capability in a slim (& more power efficient) package. CNET's reviewers threw the new boss on their test bench and found a lot to like, while the Internet features weren't flawless with some control issues on YouTube videos, however it lags the competition without wireless Internet capabilities. Picture quality was up to par, but it seems to have fallen off the pace compared to the latest offering from Samsung in terms of speed, taking longer to load some movies from off mode. Check the full review for all the details, but with the price currently at $299 this player might not have enough value unless Amazon VOD and Picasa access is particularly important.

[Via TV Snob]

Panasonic CES 2009 Blu-ray / HTIB lineup eyes-on

by Darren Murph posted Mar 12th 2009 at 5:03PM Featured Story


We were able to spot a few of Panasonic's latest innovations in the home theater space back at CES 2009, but we got a much more intimate look at things during a recent New York showcase. The new Blu-ray decks look nice, if not a touch plain. Not that everyone wants an Alienware-esque BD deck or anything, but we digress. The Blu-ray HTIB systems were particularly of interest, as these things are perfect for sneaking BD into homes that are currently DVD-only, and while we longed for more information on the portable DMP-B15, the on-hand reps didn't seem too anxious to gush over technical specifications with us. Their loss, totally.

Gallery: Panasonic CES 2009 Blu-ray / HTIB lineup eyes-on

Panasonic's 2009 VIERA Cast Blu-ray players priced, shipping in April

by Richard Lawler posted Mar 11th 2009 at 7:12PM


We first got a peek at Panasonic's DMP-BD60, DMP-BD80 and VHS-packing DMP-BD70V at CES, and now they've got official pricetags ahead of their April release. Beyond the VIERA Cast support for Amazon VOD, YouTube and other Internet content, this year's decks also include improvements in power consumption, with the BD60 drawing 16% less juice than last year's DMP-BD35. The DMP-BD60 can be had for a suggested $299, while the BD80 and BD70V are both priced at $399, depending on whether you prefer VHS or 7.1 analog outputs. Check out the CES 2009 hands on for a better look before these show up at a retailer near you.

Panasonic 2009 VIERA HDTVs official pricing revealed

by Richard Lawler posted Mar 11th 2009 at 7:11PM


Just in case the HDGuru didn't carry enough credibility for you, Panasonic has finally issued a press release with prices and shipping months for most of its 2009 VIERA brand lineup. We've taken a peek, and everything appears to line up with the leaked figures, including that slim wireless HD equipped Z1 and its $5,999 pricetag, while only copping to a summer ship date. The rest of the lineup proceeds downward in pricing and features from there, the wall-busting details are but a mere click of the read link away.

Panasonic's PZ850 VIERA plasma hands-on

by Darren Murph posted Sep 5th 2008 at 12:21AM Featured Story


Panasonic may be pretty proud of its PZ850 VIERA plasma, and while the internet-connected functionality is pretty nifty, this thing needs a serious refacing to be taken seriously. Sorry, but when we're looking at a 1.5-inch thin plasma just a hundred yards over, seeing this plain, bulky and relatively dated looking PDP just doesn't do much for us. Or who knows, maybe our eyes are just deceiving us -- judge for yourself below.

Panasonic takes internet enabled PZ850 VIERA plasmas to 58- / 65-inches

by Darren Murph posted Sep 3rd 2008 at 6:46PM


It has taken a bit longer than expected, but Panasonic has finally got around to unveiling the 58- and 65-inch flavors of its VIERA CAST plasma lineup. The two new members of the PZ850 family are both internet enabled and can receive web streams (video, in particular) without a separate set-top-box. More specifically, users can see YouTube blown up to ungodly proportions and check out digital photos hosted up on Google's Picasa website. The pair will also boast a 30,000:1 contrast ratio (read: not dynamic), 24p native reproduction, Game Mode, an SD card slot, RS-232C port and four HDMI sockets. The pain? $3,999.95 for the TH-58PZ850, $6,999.95 for the TH-65PZ850 (i.e. the Grand Poobah).

Panasonic VIERACast internet-enabled plasmas due this summer

by Richard Lawler posted May 20th 2008 at 1:54PM


After slipping past their original spring release date, Panasonic's PZ850 series of plasmas are no longer the only ones with YouTube support, but those desiring internet features, high contrast ratios and easy-access calibration settings can expect them on shelves this summer. The 46-, 50- and 58-inch versions should all be available in mid-June, with the 65-incher rolling out in August. Other than the IP features (Picasa access is also part of the package) the THX-certified PZ850s support h.264 playback from the SD card slot, RS-232C, 24p native playback, and a variety of display modes and settings to get the picture just the way the director intended, the way you like it, or anywhere in between. Check after the break for a list of prices, and our video hands on from CES 2008.

Continue reading Panasonic VIERACast internet-enabled plasmas due this summer





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